Solar Panels

How It Works

A solar photovoltaic (PV) panel -also known as a solar
panel- is a rectangular unit containing solar cells which are connected to
create electricity. Small conductors capture and accumulate power to be
extracted. With more connected cells comes higher voltage and current so you
can power more of your home.

Most residential solar panels use an inverter to convert the
solar power into a form that can power your home appliances. This inverter can
also connect your system with the local electrical utility, which enables the
utility to purchase your excess power.

What Can Go Wrong?

One common problem is shading. A shaded panel will not
produce solar energy. Some solar cells will work when their panel is partially
shaded and some won’t. This means that any shading can significantly decrease
the effectiveness of your solar panel. It may also cause certain cells to
overheat, leading to cell damage and premature failure of the panel.

Environmental Impact

Solar panels come in various physical sizes and are rated
based on the watts of electric power they produce. Typical thin film PV solar
panels will generate from 90 to 200 watts of electricity in full sun.
Crystalline silicon panels commonly generate between 160 and 300 watts,
depending on size and efficiency of the PV cells. For example, a 12-panel array
of 280 watt solar panels would generate approximately 3.36 kilowatts of
electric power under peak sun conditions. Solar panels have a negative carbon
footprint, meaning that they produce no emissions while offsetting the need for
power production from other fossil fuel sources.

Tips & Tricks

Maintenance Tips

Clean solar panels will produce the most energy.
Check panels monthly and remove leaves, dust and dirt from the surface. Clean
the front of the panel using a hose or a soft sponge.

Keep panels free from shade. Trim back tree
branches, vines and large bushes that may block sunlight from reaching the
surface of the solar panels.

Snow may accumulate on
panels during the winter. Carefully clear away the snow if it does not melt
away on its own.

Loss Prevention Tips

Don’t ever stand on solar panels. Standing on
the panels can cause cracks in the glass, PV material, or weatherproof seals.
This will result in reduced power output and shorten the life of the
panel.

Never use garden rakes or metal shovels to clear
snow or debris off of solar panels. These tools may cause damage to the panels
and lead to premature failure. Only use roof rakes and soft edge clearing tools
that are specifically designed for use with solar panels.